Gastric impaction and obstruction of the small intestine associated with persimmon phytobezoar in a horse.

The research article discusses a case of a 2-year-old horse experiencing health issues due to the formation of phytobezoar from consuming persimmon fruit. The phytobezoar caused gastric impaction and small intestine obstruction which were alleviated after surgical intervention.

Introduction

• The study brings attention to a case of a 2-year-old Quarter Horse gelding that showed symptoms of mild colic, periodic lethargy, and weight loss spanning six weeks.
• The symptoms were eventually attributed to the formation of a phytobezoar, a mass in the gastrointestinal tract formed by the indigestible material of the persimmon fruit (Diospyros virginiana).

Diagnosis

• The phytobezoar diagnosis was made possible through gastric endoscopy, a non-surgical procedure that allows veterinary practitioners to visually examine the interior of a horse’s stomach.
• During the procedure, signs of a gastrointestinal tract obstruction were identified, which were linked to a large phytobezoar located within the stomach’s lumen.
• Further findings included gastric ulcers and an obstruction of the small intestine due to fragmentation of the primary bezoar.

Treatment and Outcome

• The researchers initially employed a conservative treatment strategy for the horse, using mineral oil and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate. However, this approach failed to resolve the health issues in the subject.
• Next, a celiotomy – a surgical incision into the abdominal cavity – was performed to directly address the gastric impaction and the partial obstruction of the small intestine associated with phytobezoar formation and fragmentation.
• Post-surgery, after the removal of all phytobezoars, the horse experienced a complete recovery.

Conclusions

• The research suggests that the consumption of persimmon fruit can lead to the formation of phytobezoars in horses, potentially resulting in serious health issues such as lethargy, colic, and weight loss.
• During the fall and winter, when the fruit is likely to be more abundant, horse owners and veterinarians should consider persimmon phytobezoar as a possible cause of such symptoms.